Reading Now Network:  Collaboration, Data & Best Practices

RNN Results in 2016:  School News Network; How the  Reading Now Network (RNN) (PDF) started in 2013.
The RNN identified five schools to study based on a graph similar to the one above.  Research has been well documented showing the correlation between socio-economic status and achievement, especially in reading.  The graph on the left shows all the schools in West Michigan (MAISA Region 3) that participated in the State Reading Test (MEAP) from 2011/12 to 2013/14, each dot represents one school.  As poverty, based on Free/Reduced lunch, increases (from left to right), the data clearly shows achievement (average standardized scale score) drops rapids (as seen by the downward slope).  The white ban with the "best fitting line" running in the middle represents this pattern where most schools fall.  However, some schools are significantly above similar schools (in the green region) where other are significantly below (red region).  

Therefore, the RNN network focused on a variety of schools who fell in the top 20% (or green region).  Across the five schools studied, RNN found five foundations included on a Reflection Tool PDF (or MS Word) or listed below:
  1. Uncompromising focus: Everything revolves around reading
  2. Relevant data used deeply: Everybody knows where they are and where they are going
  3. Shared leadership and sustained commitment
  4. Classroom management focused on learning
  5. Collective responsibility for every child's success
Visit gomasa.org/readingnow for more in depth information on each of the five findings.  

1. Create a Sense of Urgency by Looking at Data Differently

Educators have heard the comparisons made with the NAEP and we know the challenges that occur with poverty.  So STOP looking at data without the lens of poverty and STOP comparing to the state average ... learn how to look at data differently.

2. Reflection:  Understand the Five Findings and Reflect

The five findings may seem simple, however, the findings are really about the depth in which the high performing schools were focusing on reading and using relevant data ... learn more from the educators by watching the videos and reflecting with others.  

3.  Create your own story of Collaboration

"It takes a village to raise a child" - African proverb.  Likewise, it will take an educational community to truly increase reading proficiency in Michigan.  Become a part of the solution, break down the silos and seek to collaborate with other districts, community organizations and other stake holders.